Hydrogen ion concentration of a solution

Normal blood pH 7.35-7.45 (7 neutral)

Can be eliminated from body as a gas

Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) is the only kind of this

produced in the body

All other acids produced in the body

Must be metabolized or extcreted in fluid

Ex: Lactic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid,

sulfuric acid

3 Systems that work together to

maintain normal pH range

• Buffer Systems
• Respiratory Systems
• Renal Systems

Substances that prevent major changes in pH by releasing hydrogen ions

Act within a fraction of a second

Limited capacity to maintain pH

Bind with(acid) or release(alkaline)

hydrogen ions to balance pH

• Bicarbonate-carbonic acid
• Phosphate
• Protein

pH below 7.35

Results from strong acid to extracellular fluid depleting bicarbonate

pH above 7.45

Adding a strong base depleting carboinc acid as it combines with the base